My best friend (not me, really) has a BIG swollen gland under her right ear - you can see the lump when she tilts her head. Her eyes are red, her ears are stuffed, her throat is sore. Her doctor told her today she had a polyp in her nose that he could see when he looked in it. He gave her a nasal inhaler & claritin decongestant & also took blood. She has many allergies that she suffers from & also has asthma.
She recently recovered (w/in last 1-2 weeks) from what was finally diagnosed as viral meningitis, & possibly encephalitis. Her doctor first thought she had migraines, then gave her a neck brace, then diagnosed her. She did not have a fever, which apparently made it hard to diagnose. After the first diagnosis for meningitis, she was home on medication, & suddenly got numb & then disoriented & was taken to ICU for 2 days; they later decided she was allergic to the medication which shouldn't have been given to anyone w/ asthma.
I'm concerned that there is something more going on here than a nasal polyp & don't trust her doctor, & she's not sure what tests he's going to be doing on her blood or how the medication she was given will help her. I'm concerned there might be some cancerous growth there, but would think they would have seen it w/ the cat scans & mri's they did. Could it be something related to the thyroid? Do you have any information on this that might be helpful? I'm very worried about her.
Reply --------------------
I am sorry that the symptoms and signs you have described affecting your friend are complex and much more information would be required to answer some of your questions and concerns. Nasal tumors are relatively rare. Nasal polyps are relatively common and have a typical appearance. The association between the finding of a nasal polyp and encephalitis/meningitis is not clear. Certainly, nasal polyps can be associated with infection in the sinuses or allergy states. The lump behind the ear sounds suspicious for an enlarged lymph node. If it is a fairly recent development (less than a few weeks) and particularly if it is somewhat tender, it is most likely inflammatory in nature and probably caused by infection. I would certainly consider a CT scan or possibly an MRI scan as part of a comprehensive evaluation of your friend's condition.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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